AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FRAMEWORK IN DETERMINING THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF LOW-INCOME GROUPS IN THE KLANG VALLEY
List of Authors
  • NURUL HIDAYANA MOHD NOOR

Keyword
  • Internal factor, external factor, business performance, low-income, women entrepreneurs.

Abstract
  • Despite various initiatives and aid delivered to help the low-income (B40) group start and cultivate their businesses, they often face challenges and business failure. Thus, this study examines the determinants of the performance of B40 women entrepreneurs. These determinants include internal factors, such as locus of control, innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness, as well as external factors, including government and social support. The survey data are collected from 300 women entrepreneurs in Klang Valley using cluster and purposive sampling. Data analysis was done using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings revealed that all determinants significantly influence business performance, with government support as the most significant predictor. In this regard, apart from encouraging the government and society to continue providing opportunities for B40 women entrepreneurs, individual development is also crucial to developing entrepreneurs who can sustain themselves in a competitive business environment. This study presents new research findings from the perspective of B40 women entrepreneurs, offering both theoretical and practical implications by integrating internal and external factors within the Resource-Based View (RBV) and institutional theory.

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